CENTERVILLE — Whitaker Museum is working to preserve more than just the history contained within its walls.

Handcrafted creations will be the focus of the Whitaker Heritage Market, starting Aug. 5 and running every Tuesday from 3-8 p.m. through October. The market only allows artisan, handmade items, honoring the same techniques that pioneers used more than a century ago.

“The whole point of the museum is to keep history alive,” said Whitaker Museum Director Lisa Sommer.

Several artists and craftspeople have already signed up to take part in this year’s market, selling items such as homemade soaps, jewelry made out of antique silverware, honey, handmade walking sticks and more. Vintage clothing will also be for sale, and a baker will be on hand with various dessert items.

To ensure the quality of the merchandise, everything sold at the market has been approved to be there by the Whitaker Museum Board.

“These are high-quality, handmade items,” she said. “They’re original gifts that aren’t just run-of-the-mill.”

Sommer and other organizers welcome applications from other artists and crafters looking to participate in this year’s market, but advises that those who are interested should get in touch as soon as possible.

“There are no fees this year, but because we’re holding it in the yard there is limited space,” she said.

In addition to promoting history, organizers also hope the market will help promote local independent artists and small businesses.

“If we don’t have a venue for them, they may not be around,” Sommer said.

Those attending the market can also visit Whitaker Museum, which is open Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The museum, which re-opened last spring after an extensive remodel that restored more of its historic look, focuses on area history through the prism of the Whitaker family.

Like their regular storytelling sessions and holiday activities, the market is another way the museum is trying to involve the community in what they do.

“We had a farmers’ market in the park last year, and it did pretty good,” said Sommer.

For more information about participating in the Whitaker Heritage Market, call Sommer at 801-915-7693 or send an e-mail to whitaker@centerville.ut.